Why are we told milk prevents osteoporosis when real research demonstrates the exact opposite is likely true?

Question

There is a correlation between milk consumption and osteoporosis but it's not what the dairy industry is telling us. The countries that consume the most milk also have the highest rates of osteoporosis. It's not to say that calcium is not necessary for developing strong bones, it is. It's the fact that there seems to be an optimum level of calcium intake for maintaining strong bones and both too much and too little can result in osteoporosis.

http://lists.envirolink.org/pipermail/ar-news/Week-of-Mon-20031027/009154.html

http://www.babyreference.com/MilkingYourBones.htm

http://milk.elehost.com/html/osteoporosis.html

http://www.newstarget.com/002695.html

Answer 1

Funny how I noticed (especially after the last answer) that your question had NO thumbs up rating so I went ahead and put one up there for you. anyways..

I heard and read over and over again that it's the milk that comes from the hormone injected cow that erodes oneself from the inside out so I try and buy organic when it's not $17 a gallon. And I've also been told that other milk is always much better for you than cow's milk. It allegedly digests much easier and the vitamins are more easily absorbed and utilized.

And as for osteoporosis, I still claim it's the lifestyle that contributes to it as well as the consumption of other garbage.

Answer 2

Wow - thanks for that question.

I had never heard this claim before, and so I went and searched the national institutes of health medline database to find actual scientific references (I have to admit with the implicit assumption that the claims in those links you gave, as in so many websites, was a bit dodgy).

Instead - it seems to confirm what you say - there isn't actually any significant evidence that suggests that milk is actually BAD for your bones. There's a great review published last year about this - a scientific meta-analysis (comparison of multiple studies) looking at the effect of milk on bone health in kids and young adults (published last year in the journal "Pediatrics" - the official journal of the American Pediatric Association). The authors systematically review the published studies claiming a benefit and show that they are all flawed and statistically there are no real effects on bone health...

Answer 3

Calcium interacts badly with protein. Americans consume 5 times more protein than they need. The excess protein binds with calcium (robbing bones if necessary) and is excreted in urine. Milk is high in protein, making it a double whammy.

The Dairy Industry, along with the Beef, Pork, Chicken and Tobacco Industries, are heavily supported by our government. Truth and Government work about as well together as calcium and protein. See, the government binds with the truth and it is excreted in the feces you see flowing down the streets in D.C.

Answer 4

In order for calcium to be absorbed properly it must also be paired with magnesium, and your body can only absorb a certain amount at a time, I think it's 400 mg. And Chocolate in milk prevents the minerals from being absorbed at all, so don't give your kids chocoloate milk thinking its better than no milk at all. Its a conspiracy by the dairy boards to sell their product.

Answer 5

Awwww, you noticed I took off my down syndrome answer! That's so sweet of you ! Really!
I took it down because I got all grouchy that people were giving thumbs down to all the good answers. I gave your question a thumbs up though...no one can take that away!

And btw, I know absolutely NOTHING about osteoporosis, but appreciate you debunking the myth...I love myth debunkers!

Do you ever look at Snopes.com? If not, you should. It's full of good information...just don't look at the pictures unless you wanna see a decapitated head on a wrought iron fence. I wish I were kidding.

Anyway, feels good to be noticed...thanks :).

Answer 6

I agree with the answer above. I don't drink milk and my calcium levels and bone density are just fine. It's all about money. Sad.

Answer 7

I believe very few studies I read because these are not conducted in a controlled environment. You can get these studies to say whatever you want. With all of the environmental factors it is almost impossible to prove cause and effect.

Answer 8

Being which you have provided neither a transcript hyperlink or video hyperlink, there's a solid risk that your dementia medicine isn't prescribed at a extreme sufficient dosage. you do in comparison to Fox information for reporting all the memories that make your viewpoint appear as if the lies they are. recover from it, they gained! (scores vs. MSNBC & CNN blended).

Answer 9

I'm figuring the people that will reach between a cows legs to get you something to drink just might lie to you about what's in it.

Answer 10

The milk mafia. Why are there commercials saying beef is good food?